Rep. Pallone Issue Statement on Medicare Prescription Drug Proposal

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's Medicare prescription drug proposal:

"While it's refreshing to see President Trump actually provide some specifics on how to address the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs, we simply must go further in providing substantial relief to seniors and anyone facing the sticker shock of paying for their drugs.

"I'm concerned the President's proposal could increase costs for seniors while also reducing access to lifesaving drugs. For seniors on Medicare, we must give the federal government the ability to negotiate Medicare Part D drug prices.

"It's time to find workable solutions that will incentivize competition in the pharmaceutical marketplace and encourage the development of affordable and high quality drugs, while also monitoring steep prescription drug price increases when they arise.

"House Democrats are committed to making prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans, and we look forward to working with the President and Congressional Republicans to give the public relief."